Chelsea, who failed with a bid to land Barkley on deadline day, are now hoping to push through a deal in the next 48 hours for the midfielder.

Sources close to the situation have told me that while Barkley is disappointed that Spurs did not make a suitable offer, he feels it shows that Chelsea wanted him more, which is why he is happy to commit to the champions instead.

Barkley – who has missed all season with a hamstring problem – is now back to full fitness and will be ready to play as soon as he completes the move.

With the deal being so close, some Bookmakers have closed their markets – Coral make Barkley 1/5 to finalise a move to Chelsea.

“If this gamble is correct, it looks like Ross Barkley will finally get his move to Chelsea this month where he’ll be hoping a fresh start can help him break back into the England squad,” said Coral’s John Hill.